Your Ultimate Guide to Summer Events

Each year, summer delivers an unforgettable lineup of festivals, sports, dining, and entertainment across the city and regional areas. Whether you’re seeking world-class cultural experiences or laid-back beach days, there’s something for everyone. Start your summer of fun with our favourites list below.

Portsea Polo (February 14, 2026)
Proudly sponsored by Jellis Craig Sorrento –the most glamorous sporting and social event returns to Point Nepean with polo, fashion, food, and live music.

Australian Open (January 12 - February 1, 2026)
The first Grand Slam of the year features world-class tennis, entertainment throughout Melbourne Park, and live music at AO Ballpark from The Kid Laroi, Renee Rap and The Veronicas.

The Ashes – Boxing Day Test (December 26-30, 2025)
Cricket's most iconic rivalry returns to Australian shores,
at the MCG for the traditional Boxing Day Test. Australia takes on England in the fourth Test of the five-match series, with atmosphere, tradition, and fierce competition guaranteed.

Mapei Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race (January 24-26, 2026)
Five days of cycling, yacht racing, live music, and fireworks along Geelong, the Bellarine Peninsula and the surf coast.

St Kilda Festival (February 14-15, 2026)
Australia’s biggest free music festival returns to the beachside suburb with over 70 artists performing across multiple stages. Enjoy street performers, market stalls, and family entertainment along the iconic St Kilda foreshore.

Midsumma Festival (January 18 - February 8, 2026)
Victoria’s premier LGBTQIA+ arts and cultural festival features 22 days of visual arts, theatre, cabaret, film, parties, and the spectacular Pride March through St Kilda.

New Year’s at the Bowl (December 31 - January 1, 2026)
Ring in the new year at Sidney Myer Music Bowl with international acts including Underworld, Ross From Friends, and Joy Crookes.

Victoria Street Lunar Festival (February 2, 2026)
Richmond's iconic Victoria Street transforms into a vibrant celebration of Vietnamese culture, celebrating the Year of the Snake.

National Gallery of Victoria Presents, Westwood | Kawakubo (December 7 – April 19, 2026)
This major international exhibition pairs the work of two of the most influential fashion designers in recent history, Vivienne Westwood and Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons.

Formula 1 Exhibition (Now - April 19, 2026)
The award-winning experience, makes its Asia-Pacific debut at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Featuring championship-winning F1 cars from different eras, and state-of-the-art racing simulators where fans can race around Albert Park Circuit.

LEGO Star Wars: The Exhibition (Now – January 26, 2026)
Another world-first exhibition at Melbourne Museum featuring over 8 million LEGO bricks creating the largest collection of life-sized LEGO Star Wars models ever assembled.

Moonlight Cinema (December 3 – April 5, 2026)
Spend a warm summer evening at the Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy Christmas movies under the stars before the big day. New releases and classic flicks enjoyed throughout summer.

Forage & Feast (January 12 - February 15, 2026, Ballarat Region)
Discover Central Highlands growers and producers through long lunches, farm tours, and workshops including beekeeping and sourdough making. Features Taltarni Vineyards Sunday sessions with live music.

Festival of Sails (January 24-26, 2026, Geelong)
Australia’s largest keelboat regatta combined with a three-day waterfront festival featuring sailing races, live music, food, and family entertainment along Geelong’s waterfront.

Peninsula Film Festival (February 17-18, 2026)
The festival celebrates short films with up to 20 shortlisted screened outdoors in the Mornington Peninsula, judged live by celebrity panel.

Portarlington Mussel Festival (January 10, 2026)
Features mussels prepared various ways, local Bellarine beer and wine, live music, cooking demonstrations, art shows, and roving children's entertainment in the picturesque village of Portarlington.

Summer in Melbourne and surrounds promises unforgettable experiences for every taste and interest.